Sailing from Norfolk, Virginia on 30 June 1860, Dacotah rounded the Cape of Good Hope, and arrived at Hong Kong on 8 January 1861 to join the East Indian Squadron.

She served in the waters around Hampton Roads, Virginia from 13 March-14 September except for a cruise to New Orleans, Louisiana in May–June to carry messages to Flag Officer David Farragut.

She joined the blockading forces off Wilmington, North Carolina on 8 December and served there until 11 June 1863, when she stood out for Baltimore, Maryland and repairs to her boilers.

Dacotah put to sea from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on 27 January 1866 for a voyage to the Pacific, calling at Funchal, Madeira, Rio de Janeiro, Montevideo, and, after passing through the Straits of Magellan, at Valparaíso.

Following duty off the coasts of South and Central America, Mexico, and California until 26 July 1869, Dacotah remained in an inactive status until sold at Mare Island Navy Yard on 30 May 1873.